Following a career-defining performance inside the Octagon, surging Australian lightweight prospect Tom Nolan has already set his sights on the next major challenge of his career. Fresh off a high-profile victory over veteran contender Renato “Money” Moicano at UFC Vegas 123, Nolan has identified former KSW champion Mateusz Gamrot as the opponent he would most like to face next as he continues his ascent through the elite ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight division.
Speaking in a post-fight video interview published by UFC on Paramount+, the 26-year-old rising star expressed deep admiration for the Polish grappler’s unique skill set. While Nolan made it clear that a matchup against Gamrot appeals to him more than any other potential booking in the division, he emphasized that he intends to take a measured approach to his career progression, preferring to consult closely with his coaching staff before officially calling for any specific fight contract.
The victory over Moicano at UFC Vegas 123 marked a significant milestone for Nolan, solidifying his status as a legitimate threat in one of the most talent-rich divisions in the sport. Facing a seasoned and dangerous veteran like Moicano required a rigorous training camp and a noticeable elevation in technical execution. According to Nolan, the demanding nature of that preparation is precisely why a potential clash with Gamrot holds such strong appeal.
“I would like to fight Gamrot if I could pick one,” Nolan said in his post-event interview with UFC on Paramount+. “I think he has an awesome style.”
Nolan elaborated on his competitive philosophy, explaining that testing himself against elite stylistic challenges is the most effective way to accelerate his growth as a mixed martial artist. He believes that preparing for an opponent of Gamrot’s caliber would demand the same kind of evolution that his recent bout against Moicano required.
“Yeah, I think it would force me to upgrade,” Nolan said. “Like, I had to get better for this fight.”
Tom Nolan Explains Why Mateusz Gamrot’s Style Appeals to Him After UFC Vegas 123 Victory Over Renato Moicano
The stylistic matchup between Nolan and Gamrot presents a fascinating puzzle for analysts and fans alike. Gamrot, widely recognized as one of the most relentless wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC lightweight division, has built his reputation on chain-wrestling, suffocating pressure, and an incredible pace that overwhelms opponents over the course of three or five rounds. For a rangy striker like Nolan, neutralizing that grappling onslaught while utilizing his physical attributes would represent a supreme test of his mixed martial arts completeness.
Nolan’s perspective on the potential pairing highlights a mindset focused on continuous self-improvement rather than simply chasing rankings or quick title opportunities. By seeking out fighters who present complex stylistic hurdles, the Australian contender is deliberately choosing the hard road to the top of the division.
Despite his enthusiasm for a potential showdown with the former KSW titleholder, Nolan stressed that there is no immediate rush to finalize his next Octagon appearance. The lightweight division moves at a rapid pace, but the 26-year-old understands the importance of strategic timing and physical recovery, especially given the significant life and career changes he has recently undergone.
In his pursuit of excellence at the highest level of the sport, Nolan made a major lifestyle and professional shift ahead of his recent campaign. Relocating from his home country of Australia to New Zealand, Nolan joined forces with the world-renowned City Kickboxing gym, a breeding ground for elite mixed martial arts champions and top-tier contenders. Training alongside some of the best fighters and coaches in the sport has already begun to yield dividends, as evidenced by his polished performance against Moicano at UFC Vegas 123.
Following his latest victory, Nolan’s immediate priority is to return to his new home base, decompress, and sit down with his coaching staff at City Kickboxing to evaluate his performance. Rather than making impulsive callouts in the heat of the post-fight emotional high, Nolan wants to objectively assess the areas of his game that require further development before charting the next phase of his UFC career.
“I had to get better for this fight,” Nolan reiterated, emphasizing that the process of continuous evolution dictates his career decisions. Consulting with his coaches will allow him to map out a realistic timeline for his return, ensuring that when he does step back into the Octagon—whether against Gamrot or another elite lightweight—he will be operating at his absolute peak.
The comments made by Nolan quickly circulated across digital platforms, drawing attention from fans and media members tracking the landscape of the 155-pound weight class. The official UFC on Paramount+ social media channels highlighted the fighter’s aspirations, posting a clip of the interview with the caption: “Tom Nolan on who he would like to fight next: ‘I would like to fight Gamrot if I could pick one. I think he has an awesome style.’”
As the lightweight division continues to shift with new contenders emerging and veterans defending their spots, a potential matchup between Tom Nolan and Mateusz Gamrot stands out as a compelling piece of matchmaking for the future. Whether the UFC brass decides to book the fight for Nolan’s next outing or slow-cook the rivalry for a later date remains to be seen. For now, the Australian lightweight is enjoying the fruits of his labor at UFC Vegas 123, secure in the knowledge that his dedication to improvement has placed him firmly on the radar of the division’s elite.
